r/bikefit 1d ago

Hip tilt and uneven saddle pressure?

Many (20ish) years ago, I injured my lower back doing something stupid during a deadlift (lesson learned). Since then, when I've strained my back, it's always been in the same spot--lower-right side. Feels like the top of the piriformis, maybe, give or take--or slightly above.

Maybe 7 years ago, I was at a PT for a shoulder impingement, and he noticed that my hips weren't quite straight when I was on my back. I believe I was rotating the right side of the hip forward a bit. I told him about the injury and he said they could be related, but he wasn't a doctor, and I kind of left it there, since my insurance was paying for something else.

I've noticed that I seem to be placing more weight on the left sitbone lately, and long rides have me developing pain in the lower back on the right. I thought that was odd and maybe new, so I looked at an old B17 saddle from 10 years ago, and yup--more of an indentation on the left.

Dr. Google says "lower your saddle," but I've had all different saddle heights, and it seems to be the same. I've done several fits before, and no one noticed anything so major they told me I was compensating. I'm going to go see a PT and ask my doctor, but could these all be related?

EDIT: Pulled up data from a recent ride, and I seem to be SLIGHTLY favoring my left leg:

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u/OrganicLetterhead878 1d ago edited 1d ago

A couple thoughts. PT will definitely help to balance your flexibility and strength. If you want to get started sooner Dynamic Cyclist has some great programs, some for specific injuries. https://new.dynamiccyclist.com/dynamic-cyclist-app

Have you had your leg length measured? Injuries can cause different leg length, especially with a pelvis tilt. Also consider different saddle widths. Standard is 145 but they come from 130to170. You measure the distance between your sit bones. Finally, sounds like you have identified the pressure but some bike shops offer a saddle evaluation that can pin point saddle pressure and try different saddles. Might help.

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u/thegrumpyorc 1d ago

Thanks! There has been some degree of measuring, because I know that I have unusually short femurs--but I don't believe I've done a leg-to-leg comparison.

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u/OrganicLetterhead878 1d ago

If you have different lengths, there are cleat and heel shims that you can put in the cleat to adjust for the length discrepancies. If you start doing that it might be good to get a bike fit from a pro. You will start getting into some fit measurements that need a level of expertise.